Dominicans at Bat: Cruz and Caminero in the 2025 Home Run Derby
Atlanta’s Truist Park is preparing to vibrate with Dominican power in the 2025 Home Run Derby. Two representatives from the Dominican Republic, Oneil Cruz (Pirates) and Junior Caminero (Rays), will join the competition on Monday, July 14th at 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Both players arrive at the event with impressive performance, demonstrating their ability to hit long-distance hits and captivate fans.Oneil Cruz: The Pirates’ Strength
The Pirates’ shortstop, Oneil Cruz, has displayed explosive power this season. He has hit 16 home runs, including one of 463 feet and a hit with an exit velocity of 122.9 mph, the fastest recorded in MLB this year. Cruz leads the league in average exit velocity, making him a constant threat.
This will be the first participation of a Pirates player since 2019, and Cruz will seek to give Pittsburgh its first victory in the Derby.Junior Caminero: The Rays’ Young Prodigy
With only 22 years old, Junior Caminero has had an outstanding season with the Rays, accumulating 22 home runs. His longest home run also reached 463 feet, and like Cruz, he hit a ball with an exit velocity of 122.9 mph.
Caminero, recently included in the All-Star Game as a replacement, becomes the fourth Tampa Bay player to participate in the Derby. He is expected to be one of the big surprises of the event.Ronald Acuña Jr. and the Dominican Heritage
Although he represents Venezuela, Ronald Acuña Jr., star of the Braves, has Dominican roots. Acuña will participate for the third time in the Derby, seeking his first title.Glorious Past, Promising Present
The Dominican Republic has a rich history in the Home Run Derby, with champions like Sammy Sosa, Miguel Tejada, Vladimir Guerrero, and Juan Soto. In this 2025 edition, Cruz and Caminero will seek to continue that legacy of power.
